The Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) is a preferential trading scheme that has been designed to boost trade with developing countries in order to support their development. The DCTS cuts tariffs, removes conditions and simplifies trading rules for 65 developing countries, including Laos. The scheme entered into force on 19 June 2023 and replaced the UK’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) .
The DCTS is a simpler and more generous preferential trading scheme which benefits UK businesses and consumers by reducing the import cost of thousands of products from around the world. The scheme removes seasonal tariffs, providing more options for British supermarkets all year round.
For businesses in Laos, the DCTS provides a platform to expand exports to the UK market. The scheme offers a range of benefits such as reduced tariffs, simplified trading rules, and increased market access. This can help businesses in Laos to increase their competitiveness and profitability in the UK market. The DCTS also aims to support sustainable growth in developing countries through a more generous unilateral offer.
In order to take advantage of the DCTS, businesses in Laos need to ensure that their products meet the relevant rules of origin criteria. This means that the products must be produced in Laos or meet the relevant transformation requirements.
Download this presentation for more information on the DCTS and Laos specifically.
Reference Material:
How to export to the UK using the Developing Countries Trading Scheme
Identify tariffs by product under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme
Understanding rules of origin under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme
UK standards and regulatory import requirements
How to claim preferences under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)
Upcoming Webinars on the DCTS:
| Webinar Title | Description | Speaker(s) | Date/ Time | Link |
| Customs for the DCTS | This event will focus on the customs process for using the DCTS including Form A and origin certificates. | Steve Lamprell, Senior Lead – Rules of Origin & Agricultural Policy and Sadia Shakeel, Head of Rules of Origin & Agricultural Policy | 05/02/24 10-11am, GMT | Click here to join the meeting |
| DCTS – Agriculture | Join our agricultural counsellor based In Nairobi who will discuss how to approach trade standards when exporting agricultural products to the UK | Rebecca Schneider, Agriculture, Food & Drink Attaché for Africa, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | 06/02/24 12-1pm, GMT | Click here to join the meeting |
| UK Market Opportunities and trends in Home and Gifts | A representative from Hyve group will discuss market opportunities in the UK and market trends in Home and Gifts based on 2023 data. | Suzanne Ellingham, Source Director – Hyve Group plc | 08/02/24 10-11am, GMT | Click here to join the meeting |
| DCTS Guidance teach in | Learn more about the DCTS, how to use our 7 digital guides, the online tariff tool and more | Rupert Casson, Trade Policy Advisor, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office | 09/02/24 10-11am, GMT | Click here to join the meeting |
| Introduction to UK Trade Standards | Join representatives from the British Standards Institute (BSI) to learn about how to approach UK trade standards. | Peter Sissons, BSI International Engagement Director | 19/02/24 11am-12pm | Click here to join the meeting |
| High Risk Foods | David Lowe from the UK’s Food Standard Agency will talk us through how to export high risk foods to the UK including high risk animal feed. | David Lowe, Head of Imports Strategy, Food Standard Agency | 19/03/24 10-11am, TBC | Click here to join the meeting |